There is a reason we chose to settle in the royal city of Blois and restore the 19th-century manor house now known as Maison Loire. This region is quite simply incomparable—a lush, temperate sanctuary where history, art, and gastronomy converge with effortless grace. With our background in well-being, interior design, and antiques, we see the Loire Valley as more than a place to visit; it is the ultimate expression of the French Art de Vivre.
Whether you are soaring in a hot air balloon over mist-covered castle grounds, kayaking silently under the limestone arches of Chenonceau, or hunting for 18th-century treasures at a local antiques market, the diversity of experiences here is staggering. From the majestic scale of Renaissance châteaux and world-class gardens to the intimate charm of hidden vineyards and Michelin-starred dining, the Loire Valley offers a soul-stirring reconnection with beauty.
As a Franco-American couple who has lived on nearly every continent, we can say with certainty: there is no place on earth like this. We created this adaptable Loire Valley itinerary for our dearest friends to ensure an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to feel the heartbeat of our favorite region. Welcome to your luxury stay in the Loire Valley.
Part I: The Royal Heart (Days 1–5)
Your Base: Maison Loire, Blois (Luxury Bed and Breakfast)
By choosing Blois as your home base, you bypass the frantic pace of the typical tourist path. Here, your days begin with a royal breakfast served on antique porcelain at our Louis XVI period dining table before you step out to explore everything the Loire Valley has to offer.
Day 1: Arrival & The Spirit of Blois
Discovery Mode: Walking
- Check-in: Settle into your luxury guest suite at Maison Loire and take in the panoramic river views.
- Lunch: Visit Chez Mamie Annie for a casual, authentic introduction to regional flavors.
- The Visit: The Château Royal de Blois is a masterpiece of architectural evolution, just a ten minute walk from Maison Loire. As the only residence in France to have hosted seven kings and ten queens, this architectural marvel serves as a breathtaking timeline of French history, from its medieval fortress roots to its ornate Renaissance staircase.
- Afternoon Stroll: Afterward, wander the shops of the old town and the scenic Loire River Path.
- Evening: Dinner in town at Bro’s or Le Castelet, followed by the spectacular Château de Blois Sound and Light Show—a twilight masterpiece that paints the history of France onto the castle walls.
Day 2: River Romance in Amboise & 500 Years of Wine
Discovery Mode: Car (35 mins) or Train (20 mins to Amboise station)
- Morning: Journey to Amboise to visit Clos Lucé, the final, whimsical home of Leonardo da Vinci. This red-brick manor offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of the Renaissance master, where you can wander through the very workshops and gardens where his most visionary inventions came to life.
- Lunch: Chez Bruno in Amboise (we recommend reserving a table).
- Afternoon: Explore the Château d’Amboise and the town’s elegant boutiques.
- Wine Tasting: Drive ten minutes north to Montdomaine. Meet Louiza, an Englishwoman, and her French husband, Frédéric, whose family has been crafting exceptional Loire Valley wine for 500 years.
- Dinner: Return to Blois for a table at l’Oratoire, featuring breathtaking views of the illuminated castle.
Day 3: The International Garden Festival & Contemporary Art
Discovery Mode: Car (20 mins), Train (10 min to Onzain – Chaumont sur Loire), or Bike (1 hr via Loire à Vélo)
- The Visit: Spend your entire day at Chaumont-sur-Loire. Our all-time favorite chateau in the region, this estate is a cultural powerhouse, hosting the world-famous International Garden Festival and world-class contemporary art installations within the castle grounds.
- Lunch: To break up your visit, enjoy a casual lunch at Le Grand Chum on the grounds.
- Dinner: A truly romantic night out at two-michelin-star Restaurant Christopher Hay, the region’s newest culinary crown jewel inside the Fleur de Loire hotel.
Day 4: Grand Architecture & Hot Air Balloon Rides
Discovery Mode: Car (20 min between sites) or Bike (55 min between sites)
- Early Morning: Start the day at dawn with a hot air balloon ride over the valley with Richard at Loire Montgolfières. There is no experience more poetic than seeing the morning mist rise off the châteaux from the sky.
- Mid-Morning: The legendary Château de Chambord. An architectural titan of the French Renaissance, Chambord is a masterpiece of unimaginable scale and opulence, boasting 426 rooms and a skyline of more than 250 chimneys and turrets that look like an urban landscape in the clouds. Insider Tip: The true architectural genius is found in the exterior and the double-helix staircase; the interiors are less vital than the view from the park.
- Lunch: A refined lunch at Ezia, our favorite Michelin-star restaurant in the region.
- Afternoon: Visit the privately owned Château de Cheverny—unlike the larger estates, the meticulously preserved, lived-in interiors here are a must-see. Accessible by car or bike. NOTE: For those on a tighter schedule: Cheverny is lovely but optional. To optimize your stay, you might choose to visit Chenonceau this day instead, allowing you to compress the itinerary into four spectacular days.
- Dinner: A relaxed, local evening at Les Banquettes Rouges.
Day 5: Antique Markets & Kayaking Chenonceau
Discovery Mode: Car (30-45 min between sites)
- Early Morning: The thrill of the hunt. Visit a local Loir-et-Cher antiques market to find your own piece of French history. There are many throughout the region, but Tours is on the 4th Sunday of the month; Blois is on the 2nd Sunday; and Amboise is on the 1st Saturday.
- Mid-Morning: Visit the Cave de Vouvray for a tasting and stop at the Terre Exotique boutique for world-class spices.
- Lunch: La Tourangelle in Montlouis-sur-Loire.
- Afternoon: Visit the iconic Château de Chenonceau. For the ultimate experience, rent a kayak and paddle right under the arches of the castle gallery for a perspective most travelers never see.
- Dinner: A final Blois celebration at Assa.
Part II: The Garden of France (Days 6–7)
Optional Extension Base: Tours, France
Day 6: Most Beautiful Villages of France
Discovery Mode: Car (all sites within 1 hr from Tours)
- Option A: Head west to the historic wine villages of Chinon and Saumur to sample the region’s famous Cabernet Franc and sparkling crémants.
- Option B: Drive southeast to the medieval fortress town of Loches and Montrésor, officially designated as one of the “most beautiful villages in France.”
Day 7: Renaissance Jewels & Geometric Perfection
Discovery Mode: Car (all sites within 25 min from Tours)
- Morning: Visit the Renaissance jewel, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, which appears to float upon the Indre River.
- Afternoon: Conclude your journey at the Gardens of Villandry. The geometric, multi-tiered gardens are the true star; we suggest exploring the terraces and skipping the castle interior.
Ready to Reconnect with Beauty?
As you plan your Loire Valley trip, Maison Loire is here to guide you. We invite you to download our full Welcome Book for our curated local secrets, or book your stay at Maison Loire to begin your own story in the heart of the valley.